Paint Box Bistro (555 Dundas Street East) announced ambitious plans to become a Regent Park food hub when it opens in September.

Korean chain Bulgogi Brothers (140 York Boulevard) is opening its first location in North American. Adding to 30 locations already operating in Korea, the new location is set to open in Richmond Hill soon.

The Cheese Boutique's Festival of Chefs kicks off this weekend with Rob Gentile (Buca) on location of Saturday, May 5th and Lora Kirk (Ruby Watchco) in store on Sunday, May 6th. The minimum $5 donation gets you a glass of wine and a dish to sample.

The GE Café Chefs Series is back Tuesday, May 8th from 6 to 9pm at the Evergreen Brick Works (550 Bayview Avenue). This month, get intimate with vegetarian Chef Denis Cotter as he presents, Seasonal Cooking: Spring is Back!

The Gladstone Hotel (1214 Queen Street West) celebrates the inaugural service of Chef Mike Smith with a Culinary Tour on Wednesday, May 9th. Reserve now to enjoy a four course prix fixe dinner including 4 flights of wine.

416 Snack Bar (181 Bathurst Street) is hosting a Pop Up Lunch series starting at noon each day from May 10th to 16th. In honour of The Grid's one year anniversary, each lunch hour will feature $5 plates from restaurants across the city.

Spirit of Toronto 2012 takes places at Roy Thompson Hall (60 Simcoe Street) on Saturday, May 12th from 6:30 pm to 10pm and features live music, over 100 single malts and premium sprits and food from Daniel et Daniel.

Tickets are on sale now for The Stop's Big Night at the Green Barn. This special dinner takes place Wednesday, June 6th at The Wychwood Barns (601 Christie Street) and celebrates Nonna-inspired dishes from Chris Brown (The Stop), Lorenzo Loseto (George) and Guido Saldini (Noce).

CHEFS

Jason Browne (formerly of Veritas) is now at Brockton General (1321 Dundas Street West) after the departure of Alexandra Feswick a couple weeks back.

OTHER NEWS

Newly launched Pig Iron Coffee Roasters is now available by the cup at Lit Espresso Bars (810 College Street and 221 Roncesvalles Avenue). This local roastery is Ontario's only to use a refurbished vintage cast-iron Probat.

Toronto's Big Smoke Burger announced plans to expand into the New York and Chicago markets with the first of 50 planned locations set to open in Manhattan later this year.